School senior2college

The path to undergrad college from senior school is interesting but challenging.

Taking AP exams can save you tons of money. When it comes to college, time is money. The more time it takes you to graduate, the more money it costs you. By taking AP Exams, you can earn credit, advanced placement or both, based on your scores. Recent research confirms the benefits. AP students are more likely to:

• • Graduate from college in four years. Each additional year at a public college costs an average of $21,500 in tuition, fees, books, room, board, transportation and other living expenses.

  • Qualify for precious college scholarship dollars: 31 percent of colleges and universities consider AP experience when determining awards.

Plan for college expenses in advance. Indirect college costs for books, supplies, personal expenses and transportation can differ significantly from a college's estimates. They depend on factors such as your lifestyle and major. Don't get caught by surprise. Think about ways you can keep your expenses low, then create a reasonable budget for yourself — and stick to it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• • Buy used books rather than new ones.

  • Look for inexpensive student airfares and avoid extra trips to and from campus.

  • Pay your credit card balance in full each month.

  • Factor into your budget courses that require additional fees and supplies, such as science labs and studio art.